Display assemblies

ABSTRACT

An illuminable display assembly including (a) a housing having a base securable to a support surface, a platform detachably mounted to the base, and a generally enclosed interior bounded from above by the platform. The platform includes a plurality of illuminable windows spaced apart from each other therealong. The display assembly further includes (b) a plurality of retractable tethers mounted to the platform in the interior of the housing. The tethers fasten corresponding display containers to the platform and urge the display containers to predetermined positions adjacent corresponding windows. The display assembly further includes (c) a lighting system including one or more interior light sources in the interior of the housing for illuminating the windows and display containers from below.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This United States patent application is a divisional application ofU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/870,134 filed onJul. 21, 2022, which: (1) claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/224,235 filed on Jul. 21, 2021, (2) is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/800,501filed on Jul. 21, 2021, (3) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Designpatent application No. 29/808,215 filed on Sep. 17, 2021, and (4) is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/819,653filed on Dec. 16, 2021; each of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to display of articles, and morespecifically, to display assemblies for displaying articles.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 9,630,747 B2 (Smith et al.) discloses a container fordisplaying, visualizing, and aroma sampling botanical materials—such astea, cannabis, and the like including a container body, lid, and lens.The container body is shaped to define a mounting projection wherein asample, such as a botanical sample, may be held. The container body andlid form an airtight seal. A sample may be visualized through the lens.In a preferred embodiment, the lid is shaped to define scent openingspermitting aroma sampling of a sample contained within.

SUMMARY

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to variousaspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define any invention.

According to some aspects, an illuminable display assembly includes: (a)a housing including a base securable to a support surface and a platformdetachably mounted to the base, the base and platform defining agenerally enclosed interior of the housing, and the platform including aplurality of illuminable windows spaced apart from each other along theplatform, each window having an interior surface facing the interior ofthe housing and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface; (b) aplurality of display containers supported by the platform atpredetermined locations overtop corresponding windows, at least aportion of each display container being generally transparent forviewing one or more articles containable therein for display; (c) one ormore tether ports extending through the housing between the interior andan exterior of the housing; (d) a plurality of retractable tethersmounted to the platform in the interior of the housing, the tethersextending through the one or more tether ports and fasteningcorresponding display containers to the platform, and each tetherpermitting limited movement of a corresponding display container awayfrom a corresponding predetermined location to facilitate viewing of thearticles and urging the display container back to the predeterminedlocation; and (e) a lighting system including one or more interior lightsources in the interior of the housing under the windows forilluminating the windows from below.

In some examples, each predetermined location is defined by a seat forsupporting a corresponding display container at the predeterminedlocation.

In some examples, the platform has a top surface and each seat comprisesa seat recess in the top surface of the platform for receiving a bottomportion of the display container therein, each seat recess bounded frombelow by a corresponding window.

In some examples, each seat recess corresponds in shape and size to abottom portion of the display container for nesting of the bottomportion in the seat recess overtop the window.

In some examples, the platform includes a panel portion and a pluralityof apertures spaced apart from each other along the platform and passingthrough the panel portion between the interior and the exterior of thehousing, and each window extends across a corresponding aperture.

In some examples, each window includes a translucent base portionextending across the aperture, a transparent cover portion in theaperture overtop of the base portion, and informational content betweenthe base portion and the cover portion, the informational contentvisible from an exterior of the housing when a corresponding displaycontainer is moved away from the predetermined location for providinginformation about the one or more articles containable in the displaycontainer.

In some examples, each cover portion is removable from the aperture forchanging the informational content.

In some examples, the informational content is provided on a removableand generally transparent information sheet held between the baseportion and the cover portion of the window.

In some examples, the panel portion of the platform is opaque.

In some examples, the interior light source comprises one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDs) under the windows.

In some examples, the lighting system further includes an overtop lightsource positioned overtop the containers for illuminating the displaycontainers from above.

In some examples, the display assembly further includes an interactiondetection system including one or more sensors in the interior of thehousing and coupled to the lighting system, the sensors operable todetect whether the predetermined locations have the display containerspositioned thereat, and illumination of the windows via the one or moreinterior lights is controllable based on the sensors.

In some examples, the display assembly further includes a lockingmechanism configurable between a locked configuration in which theplatform is securely locked to the base to prevent detachment of theplatform from the base, and an unlocked configuration in which theplatform is unlocked from the base to permit detachment of the platformfrom the base for transporting the display containers and tethers awayfrom the base.

According to some aspects, an illuminable display assembly includes: (a)a housing including a base securable to a support surface, a platformdetachably mounted to the base, and a generally enclosed interiorbounded by at least the platform, the platform including a plurality ofilluminable windows spaced apart from each other therealong; (b) aplurality of retractable tethers mounted to the platform in the interiorof the housing, the tethers for fastening corresponding displaycontainers to the platform and urging the display containers topredetermined positions adjacent corresponding windows; and (c) alighting system including one or more interior light sources in theinterior of the housing for illuminating the windows.

According to some aspects, an illuminable display assembly includes: (a)a housing having a generally enclosed interior and at least onetranslucent portion having an interior surface extending over and facingthe interior of the housing and an exterior surface opposite theinterior surface; (b) at least one retractable tether mounted to thehousing for fastening a corresponding display container to the housing,the tether configured to urge the display container to a predeterminedposition atop the exterior surface of the translucent portion of thehousing; and (c) an integrated lighting system including at least oneinterior light source in the interior of the housing for illuminatingthe translucent portion from below.

In some examples, the lighting system includes at least one overtoplight source positioned above and directed toward the predeterminedposition for illuminating the display container from above.

In some examples, the housing includes a base securable to a supportsurface and a platform detachably mounted to the base, the base andplatform generally enclosing the interior of the housing, and theplatform comprising the translucent portion.

In some examples, the translucent portion comprises a recessed window.

According to some aspects, an interactive display assembly includes: (a)a housing including a base securable to a support surface and a platformdetachably mounted to the base, the base and platform defining agenerally enclosed interior of the housing; (b) a plurality of displaycontainers supported atop the platform at predetermined locations, atleast a portion of each display container being generally transparentfor viewing one or more articles containable therein for display; (c)one or more tether ports extending through the housing between theinterior and an exterior of the housing; (d) a plurality of retractabletethers mounted to the platform in the interior of the housing, thetethers extending through the one or more tether ports and fasteningcorresponding display containers to the platform, and each tetherpermitting limited movement of a corresponding display container awayfrom a corresponding predetermined location to facilitate viewing of thearticles and urging the display container back to the predeterminedlocation; and (e) an interaction detection system including one or moresensors in the interior of the housing, the one or more sensors operableto detect whether the predetermined locations have the displaycontainers positioned thereat.

In some examples, the one or more sensors include a plurality of sensorspositioned adjacent to corresponding predetermined locations, eachsensor operable to detect whether a corresponding predetermined locationhas a corresponding display container positioned thereat.

In some examples, the sensors are supported by the base of the housingand the platform is detachable away from the base without the sensors.

In some examples, the sensors are mounted on a removable sensor panelsupported in the interior of the housing.

In some examples, the detection system further includes a sensor hub inthe interior of the housing under the sensor panel and connected to eachsensor for communication therewith.

In some examples, the detection system includes a plurality ofidentification tags attached to corresponding display containers, andeach sensor comprises a tag reader operable to sense proximity of acorresponding tag.

In some examples, the plurality of tethers are mounted to a tether panelin the interior of the housing adjacent the sensors and fixed to theplatform.

In some examples, each predetermined location is defined by a seat forsupporting a corresponding display container at the predeterminedlocation.

In some examples, the platform has a top surface and each seat comprisesa seat recess in the top surface of the platform for receiving a bottomportion of the display container, and wherein the one or more sensorsare positioned under and adjacent the seat recesses.

In some examples, the display assembly includes a locking mechanismconfigurable between a locked configuration in which the platform issecurely locked to the base to prevent detachment of the platform fromthe base, and an unlocked configuration in which the platform isunlocked from the base to permit detachment of the platform from thebase for transporting the display containers and tethers away from thebase.

According to some aspects, an interactive display assembly includes: (a)a housing including a base securable to a support surface, a platformdetachably mounted to the base, and a generally enclosed interiorbounded by at least the platform; (b) a plurality of retractable tethersmounted to the platform in the interior of the housing, the tethers forfastening corresponding display containers to the platform and urgingthe display containers to corresponding predetermined locations adjacentthe platform; and (c) an interaction detection system including one ormore sensors in the interior of the housing adjacent the predeterminedlocations, the one or more sensors operable to detect whether thepredetermined locations have the display containers positioned thereat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofapparatuses, articles, and methods of the present specification and arenot intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front and top of an exampledisplay assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view like that of FIG. 1 , but with a displaycontainer shown raised above a platform portion of the display assemblyof FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the display assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view from the rear and topshowing a platform portion detached from a base portion of the displayassembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view from the front andbottom showing the platform portion detached from the base portion ofthe display assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display stand portion of thedisplay assembly of FIG. 1 , taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display container of the displayassembly of FIG. 1 , with a plug portion of the container in an openposition;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the display container of FIG. 7 ,taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the top and front of another exampledisplay assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the rear and top showing a platformportion detached from a base portion of the display assembly of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the front and bottom showing theplatform portion detached from the base portion of the display assemblyof FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display stand portion of thedisplay assembly of FIG. 9 , taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from the top and front of another exampledisplay assembly;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from the top and front of another exampledisplay assembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from the rear and top showing a platformportion detached from a base portion of the display assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the display assembly of FIG. 14 ,taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a perspective view from the top and front of another exampledisplay assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view from the rear and top showing a platformportion detached from a base portion of the display assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the display assembly of FIG. 17 ,taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an example display system including aplurality of example display assemblies;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the display system of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the display system of FIG. 20 ,with a platform of one of the display assemblies shown removed from abase;

FIG. 23 is an underside view of platform and tether portions of thedisplay assembly of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the display assembly of FIG. 22 ,with sensor components of the display assembly shown removed from aninterior of the display assembly;

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of portions of the display system ofFIG. 20 , showing optional lighting system components in the interior ofthe display assembly;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a window of the display assembly of FIG.22 ;

FIG. 26A is an enlarged view like that of FIG. 26 , showing componentsof the window of FIG. 26 disassembled;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another example display system;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another example display system; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another example display system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses, articles, or processes will be described below toprovide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. Noembodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimedinvention may cover apparatuses, articles, or processes that differ fromthose described below. The claimed inventions are not limited toapparatuses, articles, or processes having all of the features of anyone apparatus, article, or process described below or to features commonto multiple or all of the apparatuses, articles, or processes describedbelow. It is possible that an apparatus, article, or process describedbelow is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any inventiondisclosed in an apparatus, article, or process described below that isnot claimed in this document may be the subject matter of anotherprotective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, andthe applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim,or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in thisdocument.

In retail or other environments, it may be desirable or necessary todisplay articles for sale in secure display containers. The containerscan be locked and tamper-proof to prevent patrons from touching thearticles being displayed therein. The containers may also be fastened toa secure surface at a display location through, for example, a tether toallow patrons to handle and manipulate the display containers forviewing and/or sampling an aroma of the articles contained therein whiledeterring theft or misplacement of the containers.

The present application discloses examples of display assemblies forsecurely displaying articles in secure display containers fastened at adisplay location. The display assemblies can be portable and allow forconvenient detachment and reattachment of the display containers fortransport away from and back to the display (or other) location. Thiscan facilitate, for example, servicing, replacement, and/or more securestorage (e.g. during store closure, overnight, etc.) of the displaycontainers and/or articles contained therein. The articles can include,for example, aromatic botanical specimens such as, for example, cannabisspecimens.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the displayassemblies can be illuminable to facilitate presentation and display ofthe display containers and/or viewing of the articles and/orinformational content regarding the articles, and in some examples, maybe capable of detecting interaction with the display containers tofacilitate, for example, dynamic lighting, visuals, and/or display ofinformational content about the articles being displayed and/orinteracted with. According to some aspects, the display assembly can begenerally portable to facilitate sale, shipping, and installation whileincluding integrated illumination and/or interactivity components.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an example display assembly 100 for secure displayof one or more articles is illustrated. In the example illustrated, thedisplay assembly 100 includes a display stand 102 (in the form of ahousing 102) having a first portion (in the form of a base 104 in theexample illustrated) securable to a secure support surface 106 (shownschematically in FIG. 1 ) and a second portion (in the form of aplatform 108 in the example illustrated) detachably mounted to the base104. The support surface 106 can comprise a permanent and/orsemi-permanent fixture or structure such as, for example, a counter,table, wall, shelf, and/or other construction (e.g. hanging or freestanding brackets and/or frames) to which the display assembly 100 canbe securely mounted to inhibit removal of the display assembly 100 fromthe premises while on display.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in the example illustrated, the displayassembly 100 further includes at least one display container 110adjacent the display stand 102. In the example illustrated, the displaycontainer 110 is supported atop and fastened to the platform 108. Thedisplay container 110 has a generally enclosed container interior 112(FIG. 8 ) for containing one or more articles 50 (shown schematically inFIG. 8 ) for display, and in the example illustrated, is locked andtamper-proof to prevent patrons from touching the articles 50 beingdisplayed therein. At least a portion of the container 110 is generallytransparent to allow for viewing of the articles 50 contained therein.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in the example illustrated, the display assembly100 further includes a locking mechanism 114 mounted to the displaystand 102. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position(shown in FIG. 6 in solid lines) and an unlocked position (shown in FIG.6 in dashed lines). When the locking mechanism 114 is in the lockedposition, the platform 108 is securely locked to the base 104 to preventdetachment of the platform 108 from the base 104, which can help preventremoval of the display containers fastened to the platform from thepremises. When the locking mechanism 114 is in the unlocked position,the platform 108 is unlocked from the base 104 to permit detachment ofthe platform 108 from the base 104 for transporting the platform 108 andthe display container 110 fastened to the platform 108 away from thebase 104. This can allow for the display container 110 to be securelydisplayed at a predetermined display location where the base 104 ismounted, and for convenient detachment and reattachment of the platform108 and display container 110 for transport away from and back to thedisplay location, which can facilitate servicing, replacement, and/ormore secure storage (e.g. during store closure, overnight, etc.) of thedisplay container 110 and articles 50 contained therein.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in the example illustrated, the base 104 includesone or more mounting features 116 for securing the base 104 to thesupport surface 106. The mounting features 116 are generallyinaccessible by patrons when the base 104 is secured to the supportsurface 106 and the platform 108 is mounted to the base 104 (see e.g.FIG. 1 ). The mounting features 116 are accessible when the platform 108is detached from the base. This can help inhibit tampering of themounting features 116 by blocking access to the mounting features 116when the platform 108 (and display container 110) is locked to the base104, and by providing access to the mounting features 116 only when theplatform 108 is unlocked and (at least partially) removed from the base104.

In the example illustrated, the mounting features 116 include aplurality of mounting holes 118 for receiving fasteners 120 (e.g. screwsor bolts; shown schematically in FIG. 6 ) to secure the base 104 to thesupport surface 106 (FIG. 1 ). In the example illustrated, the mountingholes 118 extend through the base 104 between an underside surface 122of the base 104 positionable over the support surface 106 and a topsidesurface 124 of the base 104 opposite the underside surface 122. In theexample illustrated, the topside surface 124 of the base 104 and theholes 118 are covered by the platform 108 when the platform 108 ismounted to the base 104, and the topside surface 124 and the holes 118(and fasteners 120 when the base 104 is secured to the support surface106) are exposed when the platform 108 is detached from the base 104.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in the example illustrated, the display stand 102(in the form of housing 102) having a generally enclosed housinginterior 126 bounded by the base 104 and the platform 108. In theexample illustrated, the display stand 102 has a bottom wall 128 at abottom of the display stand 102 and bounding the interior 126 frombelow, a top wall 130 vertically opposite the bottom wall 128 at a topof the display stand 102 and bounding the interior 126 from above, and asidewall 132 extending vertically between the bottom and top walls 128,130 and bounding the interior 126 horizontally. Referring to FIGS. 4 and5 , in the example illustrated, the sidewall 132 includes a sidewallfront portion 132 a at a front of the display stand 102, a sidewall rearportion 132 b axially opposite the sidewall front portion 132 a and at arear of the display stand 102, a sidewall left portion 132 c extendingbetween the sidewall front and rear portions 132 a, 132 b on a left sideof the display stand 102, and a sidewall right portion 132 d extendingbetween the sidewall front and rear portions 132 a, 132 b on a rightside of the display stand laterally opposite the left side. In theexample illustrated, the base 104 comprises the bottom wall 128,sidewall front portion 132 a, sidewall left portion 132 c, and sidewallright portion 132 d, and the platform 108 comprises the top wall 130 andthe sidewall rear portion 132 b. In the example illustrated, themounting holes 118 extend through the bottom wall 128 of the base 104and are open to the interior 126.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in the example illustrated, the base 104 includesa track 134 extending along a track axis 136, and the platform 108 isslidably mounted on the track 134. Referring to FIG. 5 , in the exampleillustrated, the platform 108 includes one or more track engagementsurfaces 138 for interlocking with the track 134 to constrain movementof the platform 108 to along the track axis 136 (and inhibit movement ofthe platform 108 in a direction transverse to the track axis 136) whenthe platform 108 is slidably mounted on the track 134. In the exampleillustrated, the track 134 (and track axis 136) extends axially betweenthe front and rear of the display stand 102. Referring to FIG. 6 , inthe example illustrated, the track 134 includes a first guide surface134 a fixed relative to the sidewall left portion 132 c and a secondguide surface 134 b fixed relative to the sidewall right portion 132 d.In the example illustrated, each guide surface 134 a, 134 b comprises arail extending along the track axis 136 and projecting laterally intothe interior 126 of the display stand 102. In the example illustrated,each track engagement surface 138 defines a groove slidable over arespective rail and is fixed relative to the top wall 130 of theplatform 108.

In the example illustrated, when the platform 108 is mounted to the base104 and the locking mechanism 114 is in the locked position, the track134 prevents movement of the platform 108 in the direction transverse tothe track axis 136 and the locking mechanism 114 prevents movement ofthe platform 108 along the track axis 136. When the locking mechanism114 is in the unlocked position, the platform 108 is movable along thetrack axis 136 for detachment from the base 104.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in the example illustrated, the locking mechanism114 includes a latch 140 movably mounted to one of the base 104 and theplatform 108, and a strike surface 142 fixed relative to the other oneof the base 104 and the platform 108. The latch 140 is positioned forengagement with the strike surface 142 when the platform 108 is mountedto the base 104 and the locking mechanism 114 is in the locked position,to prevent detachment of the platform 108 from the base 104. The latch140 is clear of the strike surface 142 when the locking mechanism 114 isin the unlocked position to permit the platform 108 to be mounted to anddetached from the base 104. In the example illustrated, the latch 140 ismounted to the platform 108 and the strike surface 142 is fixed relativeto the base 104. In the example illustrated, the strike surface 142comprises a strike plate 144 fixed to the sidewall 132 and projectinglaterally into the interior 126 of the display stand 102. Referring toFIG. 4 , in the example illustrated, the locking mechanism 114 includesa key slot 146 for receiving a key to move the locking mechanism 114 (inparticular, the latch 140 in the example illustrated) between the lockedand unlocked positions. In the example illustrated, the latch 140 andkey slot 146 are mounted to the sidewall rear portion 132 b. The keyslot 146 is accessible from the rear of the display assembly 100, andthe latch 140 is in the interior 126 when the platform 108 is mounted tothe base 104.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in the example illustrated, the display assembly100 further includes at least one retractable security tether 150securely fastening the display container 110 to the platform 108. Theretractable tether 150 permits limited movement of the display container110 away from the platform 108 to facilitate closer and/or morecomfortable inspection and/or aroma sampling of the articles 50 therein,and urges the display container 110 back to the platform 108. In theexample illustrated, the retractable tether 150 holds the displaycontainer 110 adjacent the platform 108.

In the example illustrated, the display assembly 100 includes at leastone tether port 152 extending between the interior 126 and an exteriorof the display stand 102. In the example illustrated, the retractabletether 150 is mounted to the platform 108 in the interior 126 (FIG. 6 )and extends through the tether port 152 to the display container 110. Inthe example illustrated, the tether port 152 passes through the top wall130 of the platform 108.

Referring to FIG. 6 , in the example illustrated, the retractable tether150 comprises a retraction mechanism 156 mounted in the interior 126 anda tether line 158 (in the form of a cable, in the exampleillustrated—see FIG. 2 ) extending through the tether port 152 between aproximal end coupled to the retraction mechanism 156 and a distal endsecured to the display container 110. The distal end can be secured tothe display container 110 through, for example, a loop and fastenerconnection, adhesive, and/or in any other suitable manner.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in the example illustrated, the tether line 158 isextendible from the retraction mechanism 156 to accommodate movement ofthe display container 110 away from the platform 108, and the retractionmechanism 156 urges retraction of the tether line 158 back into theretraction mechanism 156 for returning the display container 110 back tothe platform 108. Referring to FIG. 6 , in the example illustrated, theretraction mechanism 156 includes a casing 160 mounted in the interior126 to an inner surface of the platform 108, a spring-loaded reel in thecasing 160 and around which the tether line 158 is wound for urgingretraction of the tether line 158 into the casing 160, and a casingopening through which the tether line 158 extends from within the casing160. In the example illustrated, the retractable tether 150 is mountedto an underside of the platform 108, and the casing opening is inalignment with the tether port 152.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in the example illustrated, the display container110 extends along a container axis 164 between a top portion 166 and abottom portion 168 vertically opposite the top portion. The top andbottom portions 166, 168 generally enclose the interior 112 of thecontainer 110. In the example illustrated, the top portion 166 comprisesa generally transparent viewing surface 169 normal to the container axis164 and through which articles 50 in the container 110 can be viewed. Inthe example illustrated, the viewing surface 169 comprises a viewinglens 169 a for viewing the articles 50 in the display container 110. Inthe example illustrated, the bottom portion 168 is also generallytransparent.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in the example illustrated, the platform 108includes at least one seat 170 shaped for supporting the bottom portion168 of the display container 110. In the example illustrated, when thedisplay container 110 is in the seat 170, the seat 170 and theretractable tether 150 cooperate to hold the display container 110 at anangled orientation, in which the viewing surface 169 is inclined fromhorizontal toward the front of the display stand 102 (and in which thecontainer axis 164 is oriented at an oblique angle from vertical). Thiscan help orient the viewing surface 169 toward patrons when the displaycontainer 110 is in the seat 170 to facilitate presentation, display,and/or inspection of the articles 50.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in the example illustrated, the seat 170 comprisesa seating surface 174 for engagement with the bottom portion 168 of thedisplay container 110 when in the seat 170. Referring to FIG. 4 , in theexample illustrated, the tether 150 is fastened to a bottom end at thebottom portion 168 of the display container 110 adjacent the containeraxis 164, and the tether port 152 is positioned generally rearward ofand at an elevation below the seating surface 174 so that the tether 150pulls the bottom portion 168 downwardly and rearwardly into the seat 170and urges the display container 110 into the angled orientation.

In the example illustrated, the bottom portion 168 of the displaycontainer 110 has a generally hemispherical shape, and the seat 170 hasan arcuate curvature corresponding to the hemispherical shape. Referringto FIG. 2 , in the example illustrated, the seat 170 projects upwardlyfrom the top wall 130 of the platform 108. In the example illustrated,the seat 170 comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart support members176 projecting upwardly from the top wall 130. In the exampleillustrated, the tether port 152 is laterally intermediate the supportmembers 176.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in the example illustrated, the top portion 166 ofthe container 110 comprises a lid 178 and is detachably locked to thebottom portion 168 of the container 110. In the example illustrated, thecontainer 110 includes a locking ring 180 for detachably locking the topportion 166 to the bottom portion 168. In the example illustrated, thelocking ring 180 includes a ring first portion 182 fixed relative to thetop portion 166 of the container 110 (through an adhesive, for example)and a ring second portion 184 fixed relative to the bottom portion 168of the container 110. In the example illustrated, the ring first portion182 is locked to the ring second portion 184 with one or more removablefasteners 186 (e.g. screws) to inhibit tampering and/or unauthorizedopening of the display container 110. The fasteners 186 can be removedto detach the top portion 166 of the container 110 from the bottomportion 168 for opening the display container 110 to insert or removethe article 50 from the interior 112 of the display container 110.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in the example illustrated, the display container110 includes a plurality of scent ports 188 extending between theinterior 112 of the display container and environment, and a plug 190sealing the scent ports 188. The plug 190 is movable away from the scentports 188 to expose the scent ports 188 and facilitate sampling of anaroma of the articles 50 in the display container 110. In the exampleillustrated, the scent ports 188 are in the lid 178 of the displaycontainer 110, and the plug 190 is movably mounted to the lid 178.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in the example illustrated, the display container110 further includes a retainer 192 in the container interior 112 of thedisplay container 110 for retaining the article 50 at a predeterminedlocation in the container interior 112. In the example illustrated, theretainer 192 includes an elongate mounting projection 194. In theexample illustrated, the mounting projection 194 is generally coaxialwith the container axis 164. In the example illustrated, the elongatemounting projection comprises a spike for piercing the article 50.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in the example illustrated, the display assembly100 further includes an information display system 196 supported by thedisplay stand 102 adjacent the display container 110 for displayinginformation about the articles in the display container 110. In theexample illustrated, the display system 196 is mounted to the base 104.In the example illustrated, the information display system 196 includesat least one card holder 198 shaped to receive and hold an informationcard providing the information about the articles 50. In the exampleillustrated, the card holder 198 comprises a transparent wall defining acard slot 202 for receiving and holding the information card.

Referring to FIG. 9 , another example display assembly 1100 isillustrated. The display assembly 1100 has similarities to the displayassembly 100, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 1000.

In the example illustrated, the display assembly 1100 includes a displaystand 1102 having a base 1104 securable to a secure support surface anda platform 1108 detachably mounted to the base 1104. In the exampleillustrated, a plurality of display containers 1110 are supported atopand fastened to the platform 1108. Referring to FIG. 11 , in the exampleillustrated, a plurality of retractable security tethers 1150 aremounted to the platform 1108. Each tether 1150 securely fastens acorresponding display container 1110 to the platform 1108. Referring toFIG. 10 , in the example illustrated, the display assembly 1100 includesa plurality of tether ports 1152 extending between an interior and anexterior of the display stand 1102. In the example illustrated, theretractable tethers 1150 are mounted to the platform 1108 in theinterior and each tether 1150 extends through a corresponding tetherport 1152 to a corresponding display container 1110.

Referring to FIG. 10 , in the example illustrated, the platform 1108includes a plurality of seats 1170, each seat 1170 shaped for supportinga corresponding display container 1110. In the example illustrated, whenthe display container 1110 is in the seat 1170, the seat 1170 and theretractable tether 1150 cooperate to hold the display container 1110 atan angled orientation, in which a transparent viewing surface 1169 ofthe display container 1110 is inclined from horizontal toward the frontof the display stand 1102 (to angle the viewing surface 1169 towardpatrons when the container is in the seat 1170).

Referring to FIG. 12 , in the example illustrated, a locking mechanism1114 is mounted to the display stand 1102, and movable between a lockedposition and an unlocked position. When the locking mechanism 1114 is inthe locked position, the platform 1108 is securely locked to the base1104. When the locking mechanism 1114 is in the unlocked position, theplatform 1108 is unlocked from the base 1104 to permit detachment of theplatform from the base for transporting the platform 1108 and theplurality of display containers 1110 fastened to the platform 1108 awayfrom the base 1104.

In the example illustrated, the locking mechanism 1114 includes a pairof laterally spaced apart latches 1140 movably mounted to the platform1108, and a pair of laterally spaced apart corresponding strike surfaces1142 fixed relative to the base 1104. The strike surfaces 1142 arepositioned for engagement by the latches 1140 when the platform 1108 ismounted to the base 1104 and the locking mechanism 1114 is in the lockedposition, to prevent detachment of the platform 1108 from the base 1104.The latches 1140 are clear of the strike surfaces 1142 when the lockingmechanism 1114 is in the unlocked position to permit the platform 1108to be mounted to and detached from the base 1104. Referring to FIG. 10 ,in the example illustrated, the locking mechanism 1114 includes a pairof key slots 1146, each key slot 1146 for actuating a correspondinglatch 1140 independently.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in the example illustrated, the display assembly1100 further includes an information display system 1196 supported bythe display stand 1102 adjacent the display containers 1110 fordisplaying information about the articles 50 containable in the displaycontainers 1110. In the example illustrated, the information displaysystem 1196 includes a plurality of card holders 1198. Each card holder1198 is adjacent a corresponding display container 1110 and is shaped toreceive and hold an information card providing information aboutarticles 50 containable in that display container 1110. In the exampleillustrated, the card holders 1198 are supported by the display stand1102 in front of and at an elevation below the display containers 1110.

Referring to FIG. 13 , another example display assembly 2100 isillustrated. The display assembly 2100 has similarities to the displayassembly 1100, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 1000.

In the example illustrated, the display assembly 2100 includes a displaystand 2102 having a base 2104 securable to a secure support surface anda platform 2108 detachably mounted to the base 2104. A plurality ofdisplay containers 2110 are supported atop and fastened to the platform2108 through corresponding tethers (e.g. similar to tethers 1150)mounted to the platform 2108. In the example illustrated, the displayassembly 2100 further includes an information display system 2196supported by the display stand 2102 adjacent the display containers 2110for displaying information about the articles 50 containable in thedisplay containers 2110. In the example illustrated, the informationdisplay system 2196 includes a plurality of card holders 2198, each cardholder 2198 for receiving a corresponding information card. In theexample illustrated, the card holders 2198 are supported by the displaystand 2102 behind and at an elevation above the display containers 2110.

Referring to FIG. 14 , another example display assembly 3100 isillustrated. The display assembly 3100 has similarities to the displayassembly 100, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 3000.

The display assembly 3100 includes a display stand 3102 having a base3104 securable to a secure support surface and a platform 3108detachably mounted to the base 3104. Referring to FIG. 16 , in theexample illustrated, a plurality of retractable security tethers 3150are mounted to the platform 3108. Each tether 3150 is for securelyfastening a corresponding display container (like the container 110) tothe platform 3108. Referring to FIG. 14 , in the example illustrated,the display assembly 3100 includes a plurality of tether ports 3152extending between an interior and an exterior of the display stand 3102.In the example illustrated, the retractable tethers 3150 are mounted tothe platform 3108 in the interior and each tether 3150 is extendablethrough a corresponding tether port 3152 to a corresponding displaycontainer. In the example illustrated, the platform 3108 includes aplurality of seats 3170, each seat 3170 shaped for supporting acorresponding display container at an angled orientation (e.g. similarto that shown in FIG. 1 for the display container 110).

Referring to FIG. 16 , in the example illustrated, a locking mechanism3114 is mounted to the display stand 3102. The locking mechanism 3114 ismoveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When thelocking mechanism 3114 is in the locked position, the platform 3108 issecurely locked to the base 3104. When the locking mechanism 3114 is inthe unlocked position, the platform 3108 is unlocked from the base 3104to permit detachment of the platform 3108 from the base for transportingthe platform 3108 and the plurality of the display containers fastenedto the platform 3108 away from the base 3104.

In the example illustrated, the locking mechanism 3114 includes a pairof laterally spaced apart latches 3140 and a pair of correspondingstrike surfaces 3142 fixed relative to the base 3104 for engagement bythe latches 3140. In the example illustrated, the latches 3140 aremounted to the platform 3108. Referring to FIG. 15 , in the exampleillustrated, each strike surface 3142 is defined by a correspondingopening 3208 in a bottom wall 3128 of the base 3104 for receiving acorresponding latch 3140.

Referring to FIG. 15 , in the example illustrated, the base 3104includes a track 3134 and the platform 3108 is slidably mounted on thetrack 3134. In the example illustrated, the platform 3108 includes oneor more track engagement surfaces 3138 for interlocking with the track3134 to constrain movement of the platform 3108 to along the track 3134.In the example illustrated, the track 3134 includes a first guidesurface 3134 a fixed relative to a sidewall left portion 3132 c and asecond guide surface 3134 b fixed relative to a sidewall right portion3132 d of the base 3102. In the example illustrated, each guide surface3134 a, 3134 b comprises a groove in an inner surface of the base 3104.In the example illustrated, each track engagement surface 3138 defines aridge fixed relative to the top wall 3130 of the platform 3108 andslidable into a corresponding groove.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19 , another example display assembly 4100 isillustrated. The display assembly 4100 has similarities to the displayassembly 3100, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 1000. The display assembly 4100 includes adisplay stand 4102 having a base 4104 securable to a secure supportsurface and a platform 4108 detachably mounted to the base 4104. In theexample illustrated, a single retractable security tether 4150 ismounted to the platform 4108 (in an interior of the display stand) forsecurely fastening a single display container (like the container 110)to the platform 4108.

Referring to FIG. 20 , an example display system 5010 including aplurality of example display assemblies 5100 is illustrated. Eachdisplay assembly 5100 has similarities to the display assembly 3100, andlike features are identified using like reference characters,incremented by 2000.

In the example illustrated, the display assembly 5100 includes a housing5102 having a base 5104 securable to a support surface and a platform5108 detachably mounted to the base 5104. The base 5104 and the platform5108 define a generally enclosed interior 5126 (FIG. 22 ) of the housing5102 when the platform 5108 is mounted to the base 5104. Referring toFIG. 21 , in the example illustrated, the housing 5102 has a bottom wall5128 bounding the interior 5126 from below, a top wall 5130 verticallyopposite the bottom wall 5128 and bounding the interior 5126 from above,and a sidewall 5132 extending between the bottom and top walls 5128,5130 and bounding the interior 5126 from the sides. In the exampleillustrated, the base 5104 comprises the bottom wall 5128 and thesidewall 5132, and the platform comprises the top wall 5130.

A plurality of display containers 5110 are supported atop the platform5108 at predetermined locations. At least a portion of each displaycontainer 5110 is generally transparent for viewing one or more articlescontainable therein for display.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, one or more tetherports 5152 extend through the housing 5102 between the interior 5126 andan exterior of the housing 5102. In the example illustrated, theassembly 5100 includes a plurality of the tether ports 5152 in theplatform 5108 (one for each display container 5110), and the tetherports 5152 comprise slits open to a rear edge of the platform 5108 inthe example illustrated.

A plurality of retractable tethers 5150 are mounted to the platform 5108in the interior 5126 of the housing 5102 (see also FIG. 23 ). Thetethers 5150 extend through the one or more tether ports 5152 and fastencorresponding display containers 5110 to the platform 5108. Each tether5150 permits limited movement of a display container 5110 away from acorresponding predetermined location to facilitate viewing and/or aromasampling of the articles, and urges the display container 5110 back tothe predetermined location.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, a locking mechanism5114 is mounted to the housing 5102. The locking mechanism 5114 isconfigurable between a locked configuration in which the platform 5108is securely locked to the base 5104 to prevent detachment of theplatform 5108 from the base 5104 (e.g. through engagement of latch andstrike surfaces), and an unlocked configuration in which the platform5108 is unlocked from the base 5104 (e.g. through movement of one ormore of the latch surfaces clear of the strike surfaces) to permitdetachment of the platform 5108 from the base 5104 for transporting thedisplay containers 5110 and tethers 5150 away from the base 5104.

In the example illustrated, each predetermined location for the displaycontainers 5110 is defined by a corresponding seat 5170 for supporting acorresponding display container 5110 at the predetermined location. Inthe example illustrated, the platform 5108 has an exterior top surface5108 a and each seat 5170 comprises a seat recess 5171 in the topsurface 5108 a of the platform 5108 for receiving a bottom portion 5168of the display container 5110. In the example illustrated, each seatrecess 5171 corresponds in size and shape to the bottom portion 5168 ofthe display containers 5110 for nesting of the bottom portions 5168 inthe seat recesses 5171. Referring to FIG. 21 , in the exampleillustrated, a flange portion 5169 is fixed to and projects from anexterior side surface of the display container 5110 for attachment ofthe display container 5110 to a corresponding tether 5150. The flangeportion 5169 is at an elevation above the seat recess 5171 when thedisplay container 5110 is seated therein, and is pulled by the tether5150 toward a corresponding tether port 5152. This can help urge thedisplay container 5110 toward a predetermined orientation about thecontainer axis 5164 when the display container 5110 is in the seatrecess 5171. In the example illustrated, when the display container 5110is in the predetermined location and orientation, the flange portion5169 is positioned toward a rear of the display assembly 5100 andgenerally in alignment with a corresponding tether port 5152, and aremovable scent plug 5190 of the display container 5110 is positionedtoward a front of the display assembly 5100.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, the seat recesses5171 and the bottom portions 5168 of the display containers 5110 aregenerally cylindrical. In other examples, the seat recesses and thebottom portions of the display containers may be shaped differently. Forexample, in some examples, the seat recesses may be generally prismatic(e.g. having a generally square-shaped profile when viewed from above),and the bottom portions of the display containers may correspond inshape to the seat recesses and/or have a plurality of feet or othersupport members positionable in the seat recesses for supporting thedisplay containers in the predetermined locations.

Referring to FIG. 22 , in the example illustrated, each display assembly5100 includes an optional interaction detection system 5210 includingone or more sensors 5212 in the interior 5126 of the housing 5102. Thesensors 5212 are operable to detect whether the predetermined locationshave the display containers 5110 positioned thereat. In the exampleillustrated, the sensors 5212 are configured to detect whichpredetermined locations have a corresponding display container 5110positioned thereat and which predetermined locations do not have acorresponding display container 5110 positioned thereat (which can beindicative of removal of and interaction with those display containers5110).

The sensors 5212 can be used to, for example, dynamically control visualcomponents of or adjacent to the display assembly 5100 based on userinteraction with the display containers 5110 (e.g. in response todetection by the sensors that one or more of the display containers havebeen moved away from corresponding predetermined locations or returnedto the predetermined locations, which can indicate interaction with andinterest in the display container being removed or returned). The visualcomponents can comprise, for example, lighting components (e.g. lightemitting diodes (LEDs)), display screens (e.g. LCD or LED displayscreens), and/or informational content about the articles contained inthe display containers 5110 (e.g. about a specific cannabis straincontained in the container 5110).

In the example illustrated, the interaction detection system 5210includes a plurality of the sensors 5212, with each predeterminedlocation having a corresponding sensor 5212 positioned adjacent thereto.Each sensor is operable to detect whether a corresponding predeterminedlocation has a corresponding display container 5110 positioned thereat.In the example illustrated, the sensors 5212 are positioned under andadjacent corresponding seat recesses 5171 (when the platform 5108 ismounted to the base 5104). In the example illustrated, the detectionsystem 5210 includes a plurality of identification tags 5214 (one ofwhich is shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 20 ) attached tocorresponding display containers 5110 for identifying each displaycontainer 5110, and the sensors 5212 comprise tag readers operable tosense proximity of corresponding tags for detecting removal of the tags5214 from, and return of the tags 5214 to, the predetermined locations.In the example illustrated, the tags 5214 are attached to the bottomportion 5168 of the display containers 5110 (e.g. to an undersidesurface or in the interior of the display containers). In the exampleillustrated, the identification tags 5214 comprise near fieldcommunication (NFC) chips and the sensors 5212 comprise NFC readers fordetection of the NFC chips (e.g. of a proximity of the NFC chips to theNFC readers), and in some examples, identification of the displaycontainer 5110 to which the tag 5214 is attached.

In some examples, the sensors 5212 are operable to generate sensorsignals, and one or more processors can be provided and configured tocontrol the visual components based on the sensor signals. In someexamples, the one or more processors can be configured to selectinformational content from a plurality of predefined informationprofiles stored on computer-readable memory based on the sensor signalsfor display of the informational content on a display screen adjacentthe housing 5102. The displayed informational content can, for example,provide information about the specific articles (e.g. a specificcannabis strain) in a display container 5110 detected as being removedfrom a corresponding predetermined location.

In the example illustrated, the housing 5102 is sized and shaped to beportable (prior to being secured to the support surface), and theinteraction detection system 5210 (and the lighting system 5240described below) is integrated into the housing 5102 to help withportability and facilitate ease of shipping, transport, installation,and/or use of the display assembly 5100. Referring to FIG. 22 , in theexample illustrated, the sensors 5212 are supported by the base 5104 ofthe housing 5102 and the platform 5108 is detachable and movable awayfrom the base 5104 without the sensors 5212. This can allow fordetachment of the platform 5108 (with the containers and tethers)without having to, for example, disconnect the sensors and/or otherdetection, lighting, and/or display screen components from each otherand/or a power source. Referring to FIG. 22 , the sensors 5212 aremounted on a removable sensor panel 5216 supported in the interior 5126of the housing 5102. Referring to FIG. 23 , the tethers 5150 are mountedto a tether panel 5173 fixed to the platform 5108 and positioned in theinterior 5126 of the housing 5102 adjacent the sensors 5212 (and thesensor panel 5216) when the platform 5108 is attached to the base 5104.In the example illustrated, the sensor panel 5216 is orientedhorizontally with the sensors 5212 thereatop and positioned verticallybetween the platform 5108 and the sensor panel 5216. The tether panel5173 is oriented vertically and positioned rearward of the sensors 5212,between the tethers 5150 (when retracted) and the sensors 5212.

Referring to FIG. 24 , the detection system 5210 further includes asensor hub 5218 in the interior 5126 of the housing 5102 and connectedto each sensor 5212 (e.g. for receiving and/or processing the sensorsignals, and/or for connection of the sensors 5212 to other systemcomponents—e.g. processors, display screens, lighting components, etc.).In the example illustrated, the sensors 5212 are connected to the sensorhub through respective cables 5213 (e.g. USB or other suitable cables).In the example illustrated, the sensor hub 5218 is positioned under thesensor panel 5216, and the sensor panel 5216 is removable from theinterior 5126 for accessing the sensor hub 5218 when the platform 5108is detached from the base 5104.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, the platform 5108includes a plurality of illuminable portions comprising windows 5250.The illuminable portions are generally non-opaque (i.e. at leastpartially transparent or translucent) to permit transmission of visiblelight therethrough for illumination of portions of the display assembly5100 (e.g. the windows 5250 and display containers 5110 thereatop). Inthe example illustrated, the platform 5108 includes one window 5250 foreach display container 5110.

In the example illustrated, the windows 5250 are discrete and spacedapart from each other along the platform 5108 by opaque portions of theplatform 5108. Each window 5250 has an underside comprising an interiorsurface facing the interior 5126 of the housing and a topside comprisingan exterior surface opposite the interior surface. In the exampleillustrated, each display container 5110 is positioned adjacent(overtop, in the example illustrated) a corresponding window 5250 whenseated at a corresponding predetermined location. In other examples, theilluminable portion can comprise a continuous transparent or translucentsurface extending along the platform 5108 for supporting a plurality ofthe display containers 5110.

Referring to FIG. 25 , in the example illustrated, the display assembly5100 can include an optional integrated lighting system 5240 (inaddition to or in lieu of the interaction detection system 5210). In theexample illustrated, the lighting system 5240 includes one or moreinterior light sources 5242 in the interior 5126 of the housing 5102. Inthe example illustrated, the interior light sources 5242 are positionedunder the illuminable portion comprising the windows 5250 (when theplatform 5108 is attached to the base 5104), and the windows 5250 areilluminable by the interior light sources 5242 from below. The platform5108 is detachable from the base 5104 without the light sources 5242 (orany other lighting system components in the example illustrated). In theexample illustrated, the lighting system 5240 further includes one ormore overtop light sources 5244 positioned overtop the displaycontainers 5110 for illuminating the display containers 5110 from above.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, each displaycontainer 5110 has a top portion 5166 comprising a lid detachably lockedto the bottom portion 5168 of the container 5110. The top portion 5166and the bottom portion 5168 generally enclose a container interior forcontaining the articles for display. In the example illustrated, the topand bottom portions 5166, 5168 of the display container are generallytransparent (and made from a generally transparent material) tofacilitate viewing and illumination of the display containers and thearticles therein from below and/or above via the lighting system 5240.

Referring to FIG. 25 , in the example illustrated, the interior lightsources 5242 comprise one or more light emitting diodes 5243 (LEDs)under the windows 5250 (when the platform 5108 is mounted to the base5104) and the overtop light sources 5244 comprise one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDS) positioned overtop the display containers 5110.The interior light sources 5242 comprise an interior LED strip extendingunder the windows 5250, and the overtop light source comprises anovertop LED strip extending along the housing 5102 generally overtop thedisplay containers 5110. The lighting system 5240 can further include apower supply for connection of the lighting system 5240 to a powersource for powering the lighting system 5240 (e.g. the interior and/orovertop light sources), and a switch for selectively activating anddeactivating the lighting system 5240 (e.g. the interior and/or overtoplight sources).

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, the platform 5108includes a panel portion 5109 attachable to the base 5104 and aplurality of apertures 5232 spaced apart from each other along the panelportion 5109 and passing through the panel portion 5109 between theinterior 5126 and the exterior of the housing 5102. In the exampleillustrated, each window 5250 extends across a corresponding aperture5232 and the apertures 5232 define a periphery of the windows 5250 andthe seat recesses 5171. Referring to FIGS. 26 and 26A, in the exampleillustrated, each aperture 5232 is defined by an aperture side surface5234 extending between the top surface 5108 a of the platform 5108 andthe underside of the platform 5108. Each seat recess 5171 is boundedfrom the sides by at least an upper portion of the aperture side surface5234, and from below by a corresponding window 5250.

Referring to FIG. 26A, in the example illustrated, each window 5250includes a base portion 5252 extending across a corresponding aperture5232. In the example illustrated, the base portions 5252 extend underthe apertures 5232 and close the apertures 5232 from below. In theexample illustrated, the base portions 5252 of the windows 5250 are partof a common window panel 5251 (FIG. 23 ) mounted to the underside of thepanel portion 5109 of the platform 5108 and extending under theapertures 5232. In the example illustrated, the base portion 5252 of thewindows 5250 is translucent, and can have a white appearance, forexample. In the example illustrated, the panel portion 5109 of theplatform 5108 (and the base 5104) is generally opaque, which can helpprovide a visual contrast to the windows 5250 when the windows 5250 areilluminated.

Referring to FIG. 26A, in the example illustrated, the housing 5102 caninclude an optional information display system 5196 integrated with thewindows 5250. In the example illustrated, each window 5250 includes anoptional transparent cover portion 5254 positioned in the aperture 5232overtop of the base portion 5252 of the window 5250. In the exampleillustrated, the display containers 5110 are supported atop the coverportion 5254 when in the seats 5170. In other examples, the coverportion 5254 can be omitted and the display containers 5110 can besupported directly on the base portion 5252 of the windows 5250. In theexample illustrated, each window 5250 further includes optionalinformational content 5257 between the base portion 5252 and the coverportion 5254. The informational content 5257 is visible from an exteriorof the housing 5102 when the display containers 5110 are removed fromtheir seats 5170, and provides information about the articles containedin corresponding display containers 5110. The informational content 5257can include, for example, text and/or graphics relating to the articlesin corresponding display containers 5110.

In the example illustrated, each cover portion 5254 is removable fromthe aperture 5232 for changing the informational content. In the exampleillustrated, the cover portion 5254 corresponds in shape and size to theaperture 5232 for nesting of the cover portion 5254 therein in closefit, and includes a removal feature to facilitate removal of the coverportion 5254 from the aperture 5232. In the example illustrated, theremoval feature comprises an indent 5256 in a periphery of the coverportion 5254 to accommodate insertion of a finger or tool for liftingthe cover portion 5254 out from the aperture 5232.

In the example illustrated, the informational content 5257 is providedon a removable information sheet 5258 held between the base portion 5252and the cover portion 5254 of the window 5250. In the exampleillustrated, the information sheet 5258 corresponds in shape and size tothe aperture 5232 for nesting of the information sheet 5258 in theaperture 5232 between the base portion 5252 and the cover portion 5254of the window 5250. In the example illustrated, information sheet 5258is generally transparent (and made from a generally transparentmaterial), which can facilitate emphasis of the informational content onthe sheet 5258 when the window 5250 is illuminated. At least some of theinformational content on the sheet 5258 can be translucent for beingilluminated from below by the interior light source 5242.

In some examples, the interaction detection system 5210 can be used forcontrolling the lighting system 5240. In such examples, the lightsources 5242, 5244 can be controlled (e.g. using one or more processors,or circuits with switch-based sensors) based on input from the sensors5212. For example, when removal of one of the display containers 5110from a predetermined location is detected by a corresponding sensor5212, one or more of the interior light sources 5242 can be activatedto, for example, illuminate all the windows 5250 or only the window 5250corresponding to that display container 5110 (e.g. to highlight theinformational content in that specific window 5250). When return of thedisplay container 5110 to the predetermined location is detected by thecorresponding sensor 5212, the one or more of the interior light sources5242 can be deactivated to stop illumination of the previouslyilluminated window(s) 5250.

In some examples, the interaction detection system 5210 can includesensors comprising, for example, switches configurable from a firststate to a second state when a corresponding display container 5110 ismoved away from the predetermined location, and from the second state tothe first state when the display container 5110 is returned to thepredetermined location. The first and second states can be used tocontrol visual components (e.g. activation and deactivation of theinterior light sources 5242) associated with that switch andcorresponding display container 5110, for example, by closing acorresponding circuit when the switch is in the second state foractivating the light source and opening the corresponding circuit whenthe switch is in the first state for deactivating the light source. Insome examples, the switches can comprise, for example, biased switchespositioned at the predetermined locations (e.g. in the seats 5170). Insuch examples, each biased switch can be depressed by a correspondingdisplay container 5110 when seated at the predetermined location formaintaining the switch in the first state, and releasable when thedisplay container 5110 is removed from the predetermined location forbiased movement of the switch to the second state.

Referring to FIG. 20 , in the example illustrated, the support surfaceto which the base 5104 of the housing 5102 is securable (e.g. throughone or more fasteners) is in the form of a frame 5260 of the system5010. In the example illustrated, the frame 5260 supports the pluralityof the display assemblies 5100, including at least one lower displayassembly 5100 a and at least one upper display assembly 5100 b above thelower display assembly 5100 a. Each of the display assemblies 5100 a,5100 b are supported by the frame 5260 at an angled orientation, with atop viewing surface of each display container 5110 inclined fromhorizontal toward a front of the frame 5260.

Referring to FIG. 21 , in the example illustrated, the overtop lightsources 5244 (shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 21 ) for thelower display assembly 5100 a are mounted to an underside of the upperdisplay assembly 5100 b, and the overtop light sources 5244 for theupper display assembly 5100 b are mounted to an overhang 5262 of alighting bracket portion extending from the frame 5260 overtop the upperdisplay assembly 5100 b.

In the example illustrated, the frame 5260 is reconfigurable between afree-standing configuration in which the frame 5260 can be free standingon (and optionally anchored to) a horizontal support surface, and awall-mount configuration for hanging the frame 5260 (and displayassemblies 5100) on a generally vertical wall surface. The frame 5260includes a bracket assembly 5266 supporting the display assemblies 5100and one or more removable legs 5268 mounted to the bracket assembly 5266(e.g. through one or more removable fasteners) to help support the frame5260 in the free standing configuration. The one or more legs 5268 areremovable from the bracket assembly 5266 to configure the frame 5260 tothe wall-mount configuration for anchoring of the bracket assembly 5266to the vertical wall surface, and the legs are reattachable to thebracket assembly 5266 to configure the frame 5260 to the free-standingconfiguration.

In the example illustrated, the bracket assembly 5266 includes one ormore vertical members 5270 and a plurality of support members 5272projecting forward from the one or more vertical members 5270 forsupporting the display assemblies 5100. The support members 5272 slopedownwardly from the one or more vertical members 5270 at an angle forsupporting the display assemblies 5100 at the angled orientation. In theexample illustrated, the bracket assembly 5266 includes a pair of thevertical members 5270 spaced laterally apart from each other, a pair oflower support members 5272 (one fixed to each vertical member 5270)supporting the lower display assembly 5100 a, and a pair of uppersupport members 5272 (one fixed to each vertical member 5270) above thelower support members 5272 and supporting the upper display assembly5100 b. The frame 5260 includes a pair of the removable legs 5268, witheach leg 5268 extending rearwardly from a lower end of a correspondingvertical member 5270. The legs 5268 cooperate with the lower supportmembers 5272 to support the frame 5260 in the free-standingconfiguration, and the frame 5260 can optionally be anchored to thehorizontal surface in the free-standing configuration through one ormore fasteners passing through the lower support members 5272 and/orlegs 5268. In the wall mount configuration, the legs 5268 are removedand the vertical members 5270 can be anchored to the wall surface (e.g.through one or more fasteners passing through the vertical members 5270and/or brackets attached thereto).

Referring to FIG. 27 , another example display system 6010 isillustrated. The display system 6010 has similarities to the displaysystem 5010, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 1000.

In the example illustrated, the display system 6010 includes a frame6260, a display assembly 6100 supported by the frame 6260, and anintegrated visual display device 6300 supported by the frame 6260adjacent the display assembly 6100.

In the example illustrated, the display assembly 6100 includes a housing6102 having a base 6104 secured to a support surface (of the frame 6260,in the example illustrated) and a platform 6108 detachably mounted tothe base 6104. The base 6104 and the platform 6108 define a generallyenclosed interior of the housing 6102 (e.g. similar to that shown inFIG. 22 for the display assembly 5100). A plurality of displaycontainers 6110 are supported atop the platform 6108 at predeterminedlocations. In the example illustrated, each predetermined location forthe display containers 6110 is defined by a corresponding delineatedseat 6170 (which is recessed into the platform in the exampleillustrated) for retaining a corresponding display container 6110 at thepredetermined location. A plurality of tether ports 6152 (one for eachdisplay container 6110) extend through the platform 6108. A plurality ofretractable tethers 6150 are mounted to the platform 6108 in theinterior of the housing 6102. The tethers 6150 extend throughcorresponding tether ports 6152 to fasten corresponding displaycontainers 6110 to the platform 6108, and urge the display containers6110 toward corresponding seats 6170. A locking mechanism 6114 ismounted to the housing 6102 for selective locking and unlocking of theplatform 6108 to and from the base 6104.

The display assembly 6100 can include an optional interaction detectionsystem (e.g. similar to interaction detection system 5210) having one ormore sensors (e.g. similar to sensors 5212) and/or sensor hub (e.g.similar to sensor hub 5218) in the interior of the housing 6102. Thesensors can be used to, for example, dynamically control visualcomponents of, or adjacent to, the display system 6010 based on userinteraction with the display containers 6110. In the exampleillustrated, the sensors can be used to dynamically control output ofvisual information on the display device 6300 and/or control thelighting system described below. In the example illustrated, the displaydevice 6300 includes an electronic visual display screen 6310 mounted ina casing 6312 for output of information (e.g. regarding the articles ondisplay) in visual form. The display assembly 6100 further includes anintegrated lighting system (e.g. similar to lighting system 5240). Thelighting system of display assembly 6100 includes one or more interiorlight sources (e.g. similar to interior light sources 5242) in theinterior of the housing 6102 for illumination of the windows 6250 anddisplay containers 6110 from below. The lighting system of the displayassembly 6100 can further include one or more overtop light sources forillumination of the display containers 6110 from above. The overtoplight sources for the display assembly 6100 can be positioned, forexample, on an underside of the casing 6312 of the display device 6300directed generally toward the display containers 6110.

In the example illustrated, the frame 6260 comprises the support surfaceto which the base 6104 of the housing 6102 is secured. In the exampleillustrated, both the display assembly 6100 and the display device 6300are mounted to the frame 6260. Both the display assembly 6100 and thedisplay device 6300 are supported by the frame 6260 at an angledorientation, with a top viewing surface of each display container 6110and the display screen 6310 inclined from horizontal toward a front ofthe frame 6260 to facilitate comfortable viewing of the screen 6310 andthe articles in the display containers 6110.

In the example illustrated, the frame 6260 includes a frame base 6264for supporting the display system 6010 in an upright free-standingconfiguration, and a pair of vertically oriented frame members 6270 (inthe form of panels in the example illustrated) spaced laterally apartfrom each other and extending upwardly from laterally opposite sides ofthe base 6264. The display assembly 6100 and the display device 6300 arepositioned laterally between and fixed to the frame members 6270. In theexample illustrated, the display assembly 6100 is supported by the framemembers 6270 at an elevation above the base 6264, and the display device6300 is supported by the frame members 6270 at an elevation above andgenerally rearward of the display assembly 6100.

Referring to FIG. 28 , another example display system 7010 isillustrated. The display system 7010 has similarities to the displaysystem 5010, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 2000.

In the example illustrated, the display system 7010 includes a frame7260 and a display assembly 7100 supported by the frame 7260. Thedisplay assembly 7100 includes a housing 7102 having a base 7104 securedto a support surface of the frame 7260, and a platform 7108 detachablymounted to the base 7104. In the example illustrated, the base 7104 andthe platform 7108 cooperate to generally enclose an interior of thehousing 7102 when the platform 7108 is mounted to the base 7104. In theexample illustrated, a plurality of display containers 7110 aresupported atop the platform 7108 at predetermined locations defined byrecessed seats 7170. In the example illustrated, the display containers7110 are generally cubic in shape, and the recessed seats 7170correspond in size and shape (and are generally square shaped, in theexample illustrated) to a bottom portion of the containers 7110 fornesting of the bottom portions of the containers 7110 in correspondingseats 7170. In the example illustrated, the assembly 7100 includes aplurality of the tether ports 7152 in the platform 7108 (one tether portfor each display container 7110). In the example illustrated, eachtether port 7152 comprises an aperture in a floor of the recessed seats7170, and is covered by a corresponding display container 7110 when thedisplay container 7110 is in a corresponding seat 7170. A plurality ofretractable tethers 7150 are mounted in the interior of the housing7102. Each tether 7150 extends through a corresponding tether port 7152to fasten a corresponding display container 7110 to the housing 7102 andurge the display container 7110 back into its seat 7170. In the exampleillustrated, the display assembly 6100 has a locking mechanism 7114mounted to the housing 7102 for selective locking and unlocking of theplatform 7108 to and from the base 7104.

The display assembly 7100 can include an optional interaction detectionsystem (e.g. similar to interaction detection system 5210). In theexample illustrated, the display assembly 7100 includes an integratedlighting system 7240 (e.g. similar to the lighting system 5240). Thelighting system 7240 includes one or more interior light sources (e.g.similar to interior light sources 5242) in the interior of the housing7102 for illumination of the windows 7250 (which define a floor ofcorresponding seats 7170 in the example illustrated) and the displaycontainers 7110 from below. In the example illustrated, the housing 7102has side windows 7251 in a sidewall of the base 7104, and one or more ofthe interior light sources can be positioned adjacent the side windows7151 for illumination thereof.

In the example illustrated, the lighting system 7240 includes aplurality of overtop light sources 7244 positioned overtop of thedisplay containers 7110 for illuminating the display containers 7110from above. In the example illustrated, a plurality of lighting brackets7261 are coupled to the housing 7102 (e.g. directly or through the frame7260). In the example illustrated, each bracket 7261 has an overhang7262 extending over a corresponding predetermined location (i.e. seat7170 in the example illustrated). One or more of the overtop lightsources 7244 is mounted to an underside of each overhang 7262 forilluminating corresponding display containers 7110 positioned below theoverhangs 7262.

In the example illustrated, the frame 7260 includes a frame base 7264for supporting the display system 7010 in an upright free standingconfiguration, and a plurality of vertically oriented frame members 7270spaced laterally apart from each other along the frame base andextending upwardly from the frame base 7264. In the example illustrated,the base 7104 of the housing 7102 is supported atop and fixed to theframe members 7270.

Referring to FIG. 29 , another example display system 8010 isillustrated. The display system 8010 has similarities to the displaysystem 7010, and like features are identified using like referencecharacters, incremented by 1000. In the example illustrated, the displaysystem 8010 includes a frame 8260 and a display assembly 8100 supportedby the frame. In the example illustrated, the display assembly 8100 issimilar to the display assembly 7100, but adapted for use with a singledisplay container.

1. An interactive display assembly, comprising: a) a housing including abase securable to a support surface and a platform detachably mounted tothe base, the base and platform defining a generally enclosed interiorof the housing; b) a plurality of display containers supported atop theplatform at predetermined locations, at least a portion of each displaycontainer being generally transparent for viewing one or more articlescontainable therein for display; c) one or more tether ports extendingthrough the housing between the interior and an exterior of the housing;d) a plurality of retractable tethers mounted to the platform in theinterior of the housing, the tethers extending through the one or moretether ports and fastening corresponding display containers to theplatform, and each tether permitting limited movement of a correspondingdisplay container away from a corresponding predetermined location tofacilitate viewing of the articles and urging the display container backto the predetermined location; and e) an interaction detection systemincluding one or more sensors in the interior of the housing, the one ormore sensors operable to detect whether the predetermined locations havethe display containers positioned thereat.
 2. The display assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more sensors include a plurality of sensorspositioned adjacent to corresponding predetermined locations, eachsensor operable to detect whether a corresponding predetermined locationhas a corresponding display container positioned thereat.
 3. The displayassembly of claim 1, wherein the sensors are supported by the base ofthe housing and the platform is detachable away from the base withoutthe sensors.
 4. The display assembly of claim 3, wherein the sensors aremounted on a removable sensor panel supported in the interior of thehousing.
 5. The display assembly of claim 4, wherein the detectionsystem further includes a sensor hub in the interior of the housingunder the sensor panel and connected to each sensor for communicationtherewith.
 6. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the detectionsystem includes a plurality of identification tags attached tocorresponding display containers, and each sensor comprises a tag readeroperable to sense proximity of a corresponding tag.
 7. The displayassembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tethers are mounted to atether panel in the interior of the housing adjacent the sensors andfixed to the platform.
 8. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein eachpredetermined location is defined by a seat for supporting acorresponding display container at the predetermined location.
 9. Thedisplay assembly of claim 8, wherein the platform has a top surface andeach seat comprises a seat recess in the top surface of the platform forreceiving a bottom portion of the display container, and wherein the oneor more sensors are positioned under and adjacent the seat recesses. 10.The display assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanismconfigurable between a locked configuration in which the platform issecurely locked to the base to prevent detachment of the platform fromthe base, and an unlocked configuration in which the platform isunlocked from the base to permit detachment of the platform from thebase for transporting the display containers and tethers away from thebase.
 11. An interactive display assembly, comprising: a) a housingincluding a base securable to a support surface, a platform detachablymounted to the base, and a generally enclosed interior bounded by atleast the platform; b) a plurality of retractable tethers mounted to theplatform in the interior of the housing, the tethers for fasteningcorresponding display containers to the platform and urging the displaycontainers to corresponding predetermined locations adjacent theplatform; and c) an interaction detection system including one or moresensors in the interior of the housing adjacent the predeterminedlocations, the one or more sensors operable to detect whether thepredetermined locations have the display containers positioned thereat.